The junta in Burma are targeting the country’s opposition parties with renewed vigor in the run-up to the referendum to be held on 10 May 2008.  In a five point announcement, the National League for Democracy (NLD), led by detained Aung San Suu Kyi, outline just some of the obstacles and intimidation that activists for democratic and nonviolent change face in the land of the fighting peacock.

Below is an announcement published by the National League for Democracy:

10 April 2008, Rangoon

Special Announcement No: 5/04/08

1. In order to ratify the Republic of the Union of Burma Draft Constitution (2008) through a  National Referendum", military authorities concerned and organizations backed by the authorities are given full rights to activities, including the right to organize, assemble, and deliver speeches whereas members of the National League for Democracy (NLD) are prevented from doing so.

2. In order to win support for the said draft constitution, authorities have given its affiliated organizations the right to freely distribute papers like announcements and pamphlets. At the same time, the authorities have been persecuting NLD members by seizing or attempting to seize official NLD papers, summoning NLD organizing committee members for interrogation and arresting them.

3. The authorities have been propagandizing and garnering support for their draft constitution through their radio, newspapers, and television every day while at the same time imposing control and restrictions on private publications and journalists who are prevented from exercising their freedom of expression.

4. Moreover, in recent days, members of the NLD were bushwhacked and attacked with the intention of creating an atmosphere of fear in order to intimidate the people. The situation clearly illustrates the fact that there is no freedom or fairness for the referendum even now. Hence, for the people, the situation is such that they cannot rely on the national referendum to be transparent, free, and fair.

5. Such being the case, it is hereby declared that in order to enable the people of all nationalities, including the ethnic nationalities, to freely cast their votes and regain the trust and respect of the international community, it is vital to allow international monitors, including the United Nations, to observe the referendum.

As per the decision taken at the Central Executive Committee Meeting of 9 April 2008.

Central Executive Committee

NLD

Note:

To read the original announcement, please click here. (PDF format, 25kb)

To read the original announcement in Chinese, please click here. (Word format, 28kb)